Kachina
Bucephalus Games
SRP: $29.99
Number of Players: 2-5 players
Playing Time: 30 to 45 minutes.
ISBN: None
UPC: 895713002461
Age Rating: 8+
ICv2 Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5

Bucephalus Games has developed a highly varied stable of titles in less the than two years the company has existed, and Kachina may be one of the most original subjects they’ve come up with so far.  Based loosely on Hopi mythology, players place tiles--featuring various Hopi spirits--in a grid to score points.  Rows and columns cannot exceed seven tiles in length, adding a bit of challenge to the game.

The tiles are numbered from 1 to 8, with the higher score being better.  Most spirits also have a special power that affects play.  For example, the Koshari (value 1) reduces the value of any tile touching it on a full side to zero.  The Hummingbird (value 2) is counted as having the highest value if there is a Hummingbird tile at both ends of a column or row.  Points are scored for any tile that has the highest value as it is added to a row or column; lucky placement may earn a player points in both directions.  Play continues until all tiles have been played, at which time scores are compared.

The overall graphic design reflects traditional Hopi art; the colorful tiles are a bit busy but still attractive.  The scoring board is plain and boring, but the player reference cards are very useful. The rules are fairly clear, though one or two ambiguities may crop up.

Designed by Scott Caputo, Kachina is a fast, fun game that does a good job of balancing luck and skill.  The strategies can be subtle and sly and there are certainly many ways to win.  Though the components are of very solid quality, the $30 price point may seem a bit high for the contents, but replay value is very strong.  I highly recommend Kachina for people who like strategic games that don’t take hours to play.

--Bill Bodden